So I needed to wait a good long while before forming an opinion. And now after a few listens I have to say I like this better than any of the previous Powles-era recordings. I mean I REALLY like this one. I've been in a love/hate relationship with their more recent outings but this one just has something fresh about it.
Whereas many past reviews of the more recent Church recordings would typically mention lush, aural soundscapes ala Pink Floyd - I'd hear what they were saying, but the music never really drew me in that way personally. With Untitled #23, I'm actually feeling the draw - it's taking me to stormy days, beautiful blue skies, spring days, opium dens, riversides and ocean sides, etc., etc.

As a matter fact this album reminds me of the days I used to sit in a field on a spring day, looking up at the sky listening to Pink Floyd's Atom Heat Mother (If, Fat Old Sun , Summer '68) through the speaker on a cheap little Channel Master tape recorder. Not because of sound quality mind you, but just that feeling. I know this all sounds so cosmic - I'm really quite grounded for a dreamer, thank you - but this one has really moved me.

And as a side, I'm much more happy with the sound quality on this one than any of the previous Powles-era recordings. Much better sound - still a little bit off but a vast improvement IMO.


Men profess to be lovers of music, but for the most part they give no evidence in their opinions and lives that they have heard it. ~Henry David Thoreau